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Neighbor News

The Community YMCA Launches Holiday Gift Drive

Program Helps Make the Season Bright for Needy Families

Local residents and businesses are invited to help make the holidays brighter for struggling families in Monmouth County by giving to The Community YMCA’s annual holiday gift drive.

Coordinated by the Y’s Counseling and Social Services branch, the gift drive helps to ensure that many of county’s neediest children and their families can experience the joy and surprise of the holiday season, said coordinator Christina DeAngelis.

“At the Y, strengthening families is at the heart of all we do,” DeAngelis said. “The donated gifts bring much happiness to the children and families who we serve, many of whom are victims of abuse, neglect, in the foster care system or who have special needs.”

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In 2014, the Y was able to distribute nearly $60,000 in gifts to 407 children and 180 families served by the Y’s Counseling and Social Services branch, thanks to the community’s generous support, DeAngelis said.

There are many ways to support the holiday gift drive, DeAngelis said, noting that all gifts are personally delivered to the families and are tax-deductible.

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Adopt-a-Family
Community members may “adopt” a family or child and help provide gifts from their “wish lists.” Anyone who would like to participate in the Adopt-a-Family program will be able to choose a child or family.

Gift Donations
Unwrapped toys and gift cards are welcomed and may be dropped off at the following Y locations until Dec. 16:

  • Family Health & Wellness Center, 166 Maple Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701
  • Counseling & Social Services, 613 Hope Road, Building 4, 2nd Floor, Eatontown, NJ 07724

Amazon Wish List
Purchase a child’s gift from the Y’s Wish List on Amazon.com. To view the Wish List, simply go to www.amazon.com, click on “Wish List” in the right hand corner, enter the following e-mail address in the Search for Wish List box: cdeangelis@cymca.org.

Giving Tree
Local businesses are invited to display a “giving tree” and encourage their employees to participate by selecting an ornament with a child’s gift wish, and returning the gift by December 16.

For more information on how you can donate or set up a “giving tree,” please call DeAngelis at 732.544.4544, ext. 522.

Photo Caption:
Employees at Sea Lane Shipping in Red Bank are once again participating in the Y’s holiday gift drive. This year will mark their 5th year of helping to make the holidays merry for local kids and their families.

About The Community YMCA
The Y is a leading nonprofit charity that strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community YMCA serves more than 20,000 residents in greater Monmouth County through programs such as: preschool, before and after school care, health and wellness, leadership, arts enrichment, personal and family counseling and summer day camp. With a mission to serve all, more than $550,000 in reduced and free membership fees and programs is provided by the YCares financial assistance program to individuals and families in need. For more information, visit TheCommunityYMCA.org.

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